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A Closer Look at the Advanced Technology Used to Bring the Former "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Playground to Life

by Guide4WDW

A Closer Look at the Advanced Technology Used to Bring the Former “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” Playground to Life 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

With the approaching debut of Toy Story Land and the Star Wars expansion at Hollywood Studios (in likely a year or more), large changes have caused many classic experiences to slowly fade away. However, one experience, the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” playground had an interesting beginning that tends to get passed over in Disney history. While the playground has officially been removed from the park, at one point it was a quite popular attraction for guests of all ages. 
(Photo: Rob Peeler – Flickr)
In the early years of it’s development a great amount of research was taken into account in order to develop both a realistic and safe experience for guests of all ages. Throughout the design process, Imagineering made special efforts to create an atmosphere that was not only realistic in the same way as a movie set, but also safe enough to play on. In order to accomplish an authentic experience, Disney used impact dampening materials such as light rubbers and padding to envelope the entire area in a kid friendly, edge free design. They even went as far as to utilize a softer plastic material for slides to continue the safety aspect even beyond your typical playground set-up. 
In regards to the theming, the area featured many larger than life blades of grass to represent an intricate level of theming. However, Imagineering faced a problem. In order to create believable, enormous blades of grass, a mass amount of concrete had to be utilized. However, in order to make these “blades of grass” safe for use in a guest area, special research had to be made in order to guarantee their stability. In order to do so, Disney made use of wind tunnel testing. Throughout the process, they payed particular attention to developing a “blade” which could withstand the high wind potential of central Florida. To do so, Disney used a wide tunnel at a California college to carefully design and test the strength of the structures.

You see, Disney had to change their line of thinking when they set the scene for this concept. Opposed to a typical movie set, this area had to be developed in a way that could remain authentic to the typical on stage representation that would be used in a real life film while developing a long term application. It was a unique void to fill and one that Disney payed particular attention to. While the set appeared quite simple, the technology and planning behind it was really hidden from the typical onlooker.     

As usual, things aren’t always as they seem in the Disney parks. For many, this was an experience that allowed kids to burn off some extra energy while parents got a well needed brief rest from the hectic pace of a Disney vacation. Fortunately, considering what will be coming to the parks in the not so distant future, many will certainly agree that the trade off will eventually be worth it in the end. We’re looking forward to the changes coming to Hollywood Studios, but it’s great to take a closer look at many of the details Imagineering has taken into consideration over the years.
Thanks for reading and please SHARE this article with friends! Thanks!            

Armchair Imagineering: What Would You Do With Paint The Night Next?

by Guide4WDW

“Armchair Imagineering”: What Would You Do With Paint The Night Next?

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

Every once in a while a Disney rumor really sparks your interest and makes you think “What if?” Well, earlier this week we received some information that has been floating around that Disneyland’s Paint the Night Parade may be getting ready to move to a new park. Considering it is no longer in use with the Main Street Electrical Parade taking over, the rumor isn’t all that far fetched. Of course, this is simply speculation at this time until Disney confirms a relocation of the parade officially. However, I thought it would be a good time to play a little armchair Imagineering. 
For those of you who may not know, this is essentially a concept that floats around the online Disney community where we take some time to think about what “we” would do if the sky was the limit and someone said “If you can dream it you can build it” (of course we all know someone who shared a similar phrase to that many years ago). 
For most Disney fans, becoming an Imagineer is a dream of a lifetime, but very few actually get to live out that role on Disney’s grand stage (but we can always dream!). So, with that I wanted to pose a question to anyone and everyone who reads this. If the sky was the limit and there were no real restraints of space, budget, and timing, where would you take Paint the Night to next? We want to hear your thoughts! 
In my honest opinion, realistically we have a few options. First, you could put it at the Magic Kingdom, and that is what a majority of the speculation points to. However, the parade would have to be altered to accommodate the parade route through the park. Of course, in this figurative thought process, none of that matters. With that being said, I’d love to see this parade debut at Hollywood Studios. 
Some of you may ask why. Well, quite honestly, I have always enjoyed parades in the somewhat quaint environment of the park. The Block Party Bash was great for guests to experience and get involved with first hand, and the somewhat older Disney Stars in Motor Cars Parade was an instant classic in my book! Everything about those parades had a different feel to them than others that have occurred across the other Disney parks. As I’m sure we can all agree, Spectromagic and The Main Street Electrical Parade will always be the ultimate representation of a classic Disney parade, but there’s just something special about the Hollywood Studios environment. Honestly, with the state of the park today, you couldn’t likely debut the parade as a result of the construction efforts, but if anything is fair play, that’s where I’d love to see it debut. 
Again, Disney has yet to confirm if the parade will ever even debut in another park. With the current changes in Festival of Fantasy times, many believe they’re setting the stage for it’s debut at Magic Kingdom. Also, considering the park no longer has a parade, it would be the likely location if the parade did relocate. 
So, what do you think? Where would you put Paint The Night if there were no limitations? We want to hear your thoughts! Share them with us down below or on your favorite social media platform! 
If you enjoyed this little armchair Imagineering activity, please SHARE it with friends. We want to hear all kinds of different ideas. They could be practical or completely off the wall! We want to hear it all. Thanks!   
(Photos: Disney)            

Opening Date for Toy Story Land to be Revealed at D23 Expo!

by Guide4WDW

Opening Date for Toy Story Land to be Revealed at D23 Expo! 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

Just this morning, Bob Chapek announced to the media that we will be getting an official opening date for Toy Story Land at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim. While the construction process has been ongoing for quite some time, this will be the first time the project will be given an official debut date. 
Typically, these details are simply rumors, but this story actually developed from Chapek’s own quote. For those of you who may not know, Bob Chapek currently holds the title of Chairmen of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. 
The new land is set to greatly expand the current Hollywood Studios experience and add over 11 acres of space to the theme park. Also, it has been previously announced that the land will encompass two brand new attractions. One family friendly roller coaster and a second flying saucer type attraction where Green Aliens try to capture you with “The Clawwwww!”
The land’s debut is still quite a ways away, but it will be great to finally receive a tentative opening date for its official debut. Personally, I think the new area looks outstanding and should completely revitalize Hollywood Studios.      
(Photos: Disney)  

All in the Details: How Imagineers Left Their Mark on the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre!

by Guide4WDW

by: guide4wdw – Collin

In the realm of Disney dining experiences, a few select locations often come to mind. For many guests, the classic Cinderella’s Royal Table or even the somewhat newer Be Our Guest locations are reminiscent of that classic “Disney” experience. However one particular offering has grown to immense popularity over the years with very little tie in to Disney films, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre at Hollywood Studios.
Sci-Fi is certainly high on our list as well, but it also holds a small Disney Imagineering secret that not every guest recognizes. 

During the design process for the dining experience, Imagineers payed impeccable attention  to detail in producing nearly life sized vehicles for guests to sit in while their drive in experience came to life before their very eyes. Today, that same experience remains as one of the longest running traditions in Hollywood Studios. On top of the impressive design for guests of all ages, the food offerings at Sci-Fi are typically regarded as some of the best in the entire park, if not some of the most family friendly offerings on all of Disney property.

However, while the dining experience overall is often considered a guest favorite, today we’re looking beyond the food and onto an overlooked detail of the location’s design, the vehicles themselves. As mentioned, a painstakingly detailed process was developed to replicate an authentic “drive-in” experience, but one creative aspect of the experience is hiding in plain site, the vehicles license plates. 

As with anything Imagineering creates, little hidden details can often be found in the most unlikely of places that point back to the Imagineers themselves. In this particular case, next time you’re in the restaurant, pay particular attention to the license plates of the vehicles around you. Each license plate tells a story of an individual. The plates letters and numbers are inspired by the Imagineers initials and birthdates that played a pivotal role in the design and craftsmanship of the experience we get to take part in today. 

Personally, it’s fun to think about who each of these individuals could have been. When you really take a moment to think about it, these are the cast members that we owe the entire experience to. These hard working individuals will rarely be thanked for their enormous contributions to various projects, but they continue to develop these parks we all have grown to love without the instant gratification employees in other occupations may have received.

While this “hidden gem” isn’t necessarily mind blowing, hopefully it gives you something to look forward to next time you visit the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre. When you’re in the parks, always take in the details of the experience and dare to explore the meanings behind seemingly meaningless aspects of the theme park experience. You never know what you’ll find in the Disney parks, and these little details help many guests develop a greater appreciation for the parks they have grown to love over the years.   

Thanks for taking the time out of your day today to spend a few minutes here with us! If you liked this “hidden detail” hiding in plain site, please SHARE this article with a friend! It truly helps us out and allows us to reach a broader audience within this Disney community.  

Your shares keep this site alive and growing. We owe the whole project to your involvement  and we certainly appreciate the support.    

The Windermere Fraternal Hall – A Main Street Window With an Overlooked Story

by Guide4WDW

The Windermere Fraternal Hall – A Main Street Window With an Overlooked Story 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

The Main Street experience is above all else, a multi-sensory experience. From the grand entrance at Main Street Station to your detailed journey through the many elements of the 1890 facade, pieces of the theming have a much greater backstory that many guests simply overlook. 
High in the windows above the street, an entire history of many individuals can be found if you simply explore the names and listings that help develop the authentic Main Street experience. While many of the business listings and storefront windows you see have been developed with no true link to the real world on their own, the names these windows hold develop the intricate backstories of some of the most influential cast in Disney Parks history.
    
Every window tells a unique tale, but today we’re taking a closer look at one of my favorites simply because of one particular individual. The window itself prominently features the title, ‘Windermere Fraternal Hall: Charter Members – Bob Allen, Pete Crimmings, Dick Evans, Bill Hoelscher, Bob Matheison, and Bill Sullivan.” While all of these individuals played an outstanding role at some point in Disney History, today I want to focus on a name that many of you may or may not recognize, Bob Allen. 

Bob had a rich history with the Disney company which began in Disneyland as a train ride operator. His role at that point was to assure guest safety and to blow a whistle to signal the train to stop in case of an emergency. In the beginning, this was simply a job to provide money for his efforts with higher education. This seemingly minor responsibility developed into many positions later on at Disneyland. His later roles brought him to a management role at both the Golden Horseshoe (in Disneyland) and Disney’s Celebrity Sports Center in Colorado. Later on, Allen climbed through the Disney “ranks” and found himself as the Vice President of Walt Disney World less than 10 years after it debuted. Sadly, in 1987 we all lost a piece of the Disney community when Bob passed away due to a heart related problem.   

Fortunately, this isn’t where the story ends. Beyond the parks and resorts and his many roles throughout those locations, Bob Allen was better known for his role in the community. He has been cited by many individuals over the years as being one of those people that put you in the forefront of his mind when you talked to him. He was an individual that many enjoyed being around and who did whatever he could to make a person feel special. He gave his time and often his money to better the community and to interact with those around him in a meaningful way. 


Now, you may be wondering how all of this connects with the window on Main Street. Well, for years it seemed as if the only connection between the group was that they all simply lived in Windermere, Florida at the time. However, Bill Sullivan shared in an interview with Lou Mongello stating that many of the individuals listed on the window spent time with each other outside of the Disney realm and even fished with each other from time to time. Modestly, he adds, “they just wanted to fill up a window on Main Street.”

You see, these simple details can develop outstanding references to history, and really help develop that level of detail Disney has become known for over the years. Every detail has it’s purpose and Disney makes these intriguing connections in ways that truly amaze guests who explore the history behind the magic. If you want to explore this hidden detail for yourself, head on over to East Center Street at the Magic Kingdom along the right hand side of Main Street U.S.A.!  

Thanks for reading, and have a great rest of the day. If you like this article I simply ask that you SHARE it with friends and help us build this online Disney community. Thanks!     

Stitch’s Great Escape is Returning for the Summer Season – Despite Continued Speculation of it’s Future

by Guide4WDW

Stitch’s Great Escape is Returning for the Summer Season – Despite Continued Speculation of it’s Future 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

To the surprise of many, Stitch’s Great Escape will once again return to operation for the summer peak season. The attraction has not been popular for quite some time and has somewhat recently gone into a seasonally operational state. In the past, this typically meant that the attraction would likely be on it’s way out of the parks completely. While many still believe the attraction will eventually leave the Magic Kingdom, the project seems to have been put on hold once again. 
(photo: Matt Dempsey)
The attraction will operate May 27th through August 19th from 10am to 6pm (hours subject to change). 
Many anticipate a replacement for the attraction arriving at some point centered around the theming of Wreck it Ralph. While Disney has yet to comment on that rumor, it is the most anticipated and expected choice for the space. Of course, this is simply rumor until Disney shares official information. However, for the time being, the attraction will be remaining the same, at least through the summer of this year. 
If you have yet to try the attraction, be sure to do so if you’re in the park this summer. It is not all that popular and a few guests really do enjoy the experience, despite the consensus from the overwhelming majority. 
Stitch’s Character Meet and Greet will also be returning near the Carousel of Progress throughout the summer months. No official dates or times have been shared for that offering.  
As always, thanks for reading and be sure to join our email community down below. Some fun new announcements for the site should be arriving in the next few weeks!      

"Departed Disney" – The Wonderful World of Water Ski Show on Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon

by Guide4WDW

“Departed Disney” – The Wonderful World of Water Ski Show on Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

We’re back with another article in our most popular continuing series, “Departed Disney.” Throughout the early days of Disney in the 1970’s, efforts were being made to create new experiences that had never been seen before in grand scale theme park entertainment. As a part of that “big picture” expectation, the Disney company experimented with a variety of short run and unique offerings that rarely stood the test of time. 

One of the more unique offerings was actually debuted just outside of the Magic Kingdom in 1972, “The Wonderful World of Water Ski” show. By today’s standards this seems like an incredibly obscure offering by the company because it likely drew very little revenue despite being fairly popular. At the time, water ski spectaculars were being held near by at the Cypress Gardens park (now no longer in existence), but Disney wanted to bring a variation of that experience to the Seven Seas Lagoon. As a result, this intricate show was born. 


“The Wonderful World of Water Ski” experience featured a vast array of performers, ranging from Disney characters to incredibly skilled skiers. As a part of the show, skiers took to the lake and exhibited outstanding levels of skill as they formed human pyramids and took to the sky on variations of kites while spectators watched from the sidelines in amazement.

While the experience was performed outside of the park, guests were required to purchase a ticket to view the show from the designated viewing area. The guests purchased a ticket which never cost more than a dollar throughout the shows one year run time. The tickets gave spectators access to a section of land between the Magic Kingdom Monorail station and the edge of lake. The hill in that area was utilized as a seating area which would give guests prime viewing space.

For many that had the opportunity to experience the show first hand, it certainly left an interesting mark on their vacation memories. It’s hard to forget some of your favorite Disney characters skiing at high speeds across the Seven Seas Lagoon. 

While “The Wonderful World of Water Ski” show will likely never return for a variety of reasons, one of the most interesting aspects of the experience revolved around the show times and minor pyrotechnic displays at many of the late night shows. Skiers took to the sky on their verified kites and used simple firework style attachments to stun guests of all ages. 

Unfortunately, very few images of high quality were taken of the event as a result of it’s early existence and short run time near the Magic Kingdom. Thankfully, we were able to find one short video to share of this interesting element of Disney history. Here’s a closer look: (video credit: user everythingdisney on youtube)     


If you learned something new today or just enjoyed this little piece of Disney history, be sure to SHARE this article with friends or in your favorite Facebook group! Thanks! 

Have You Heard About Clubhouse Buttons? A Custom Disney Button Service – Giveaway!

by Guide4WDW
Have You Heard About Clubhouse Buttons? A Custom Disney Button Service – Giveaway!
by: guide4wdw – Caitlin
instagram: @guide4disney

I am happy to share an adorable Disney buttons shop with all of you. Alex is the creator of Clubhouse Buttons, and it’s safe to say that we love her work. On her site, you will find a variety of buttons that are sure to spice up your upcoming Disney trip. Her designs range from notable Disney quotes to the unique autograph button designed to be inscribed with your favorite character’s signature. The shop also offers custom buttons where you can create a personalized design. Her orders ship in 3-4 business days and rush shipping is available. Did we mention they are just $4.00?
Clubhouse Buttons can be found on your favorite social media apps. Search for them on Facebook and Instagram under “Clubhouse Buttons.” 
Speaking of Instagram, we have an exciting giveaway going on RIGHT NOW. Hop on over to @guide4wdw to see how you can win 3 adorable buttons. Alex even made a BONUS Guide4WDW button for our awesome followers. The giveaway ends Sunday, May 21 at 8:00 EST. What are you waiting for? Go win some buttons!

Know a friend who loves Disney as much as you do? SHARE this post, so they can be entered to win!

(We are not affiliated with or sponsored by Clubhouse Buttons in a business capacity. They are just providing the prizes for the giveaway. To learn more about their business see the given social media destinations above.)

Imagineer Joe Rohde Uncovers a Simple Detail of the Flight of Passage Queue

by Guide4WDW

Imagineer Joe Rohde Uncovers a Simple Detail of the Flight of Passage Queue 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

Just a short time ago, Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde unveiled a simple secret about a small element of the “Lab Space” in the Flight of Passage queue. While Rohde has been instrumental in the entire development of Animal Kingdom, this project seems to be one that he has been increasingly invested in. From the design of the attractions to bringing in all kinds of unique add ons for the lands overall look and feel, he has played an instrumental role in the development of this larger than life expansion. For years I have been thrilled by his work and this project is certainly no different.  

(Photo: Link) 


Today, Joe took to social media to unveil a simple secret that many guests will simply walk right past. Of course, as you know from reading our articles, we love this type of information. These unique aspects of attractions and lands really set Disney apart in the world of immersion for guests. So, without spoiling any more of it for you, here’s a look at what Rohde shared on his personal Instagram. Be sure to look for this “hidden detail” as you venture into Pandora  -The World of Avatar in the coming months.    

(Image May Take A Moment to Load)
Detail you might walk past without knowing what you were seeing. When you’re doing a biological population survey, you don’t necessarily need to see animals in order to know that they are there. You need to see incontrovertible evidence that the animal is there. That includes scratch marks, scat and spray, fur, feathers, scales, and, of course, tracks. What you were looking at here is a “track trap,” exactly like the ones we used on the Mission Himalayas #RAP survey expedition to Nepal and China. You can make one of these at home. Either put out bait, or find a pathway where you know small animals are likely to pass… They tend to like to move along edges of things, like your garden hedge, or the wall of your house. You make a kind of crowd- Control funnel leading to something like a sponge or a cloth that is soaked in black oil paint, or printers ink or stamp pad ink. These dry very slowly so they will stay wet enough all night long. Beyond the ink pad you place a piece of white paper. Everything that walks over the ink pad will leave footprints on the white paper. And you can identify the different species by checking their tracks against reference. You should put an ink pad on either side of the paper because animals go both ways. So see? You probably thought this was just Squigley junk on a piece of paper. But noooooooo! Why do that when you could create content? In the lab space for the Flight of Passage. #atdisneysanimalkingdom #animalkingdomdisney #pandora #flightofpassage #science #research #tracks #tracking #biology #wdw
A post shared by Joe Rohde (@joerohde) on

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"Departed Disney" – Epcot’s Earth Station, Presented by the Bell System

by Guide4WDW

“Departed Disney” – Epcot’s Earth Station, Presented by the Bell System 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney

As we continue our “Departed Disney” lineup, we’re taking a closer look at Epcot’s former Earth Station experience. For many of the new readers here on the site, you may be more familiar with the locations current name, “Project Tomorrow.” While the current rendition of the space is quite fun and incredibly immersive for guests of all ages, at one point this area was a key part of explaining the Epcot Center experience. 
When the Epcot concept really took center stage in Disney development in 1964, Walt had an idea that would never really fully develop, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (Epcot). His plans were grand and set to be an elaborate place where people of all ages could live in a expertly planned community. Unfortunately, we all lost Walt in 1966 and the plans for this grand community were scaled back to a version of the park we get to experience today.
The Epcot of year’s past was a different experience than it is today. Upon it’s debut in October of 1982, the entire park was a step into the future for guests of all ages. There were outstanding new technologies on display that you could not only see, but interact and learn from throughout your day in the park. 
Spaceship Earth served as a beacon to guests traveling hours on end to come and experience the new creation. However, what lies just beyond Spaceship Earth was the “key” to planning their day in the park, Epcot’s Earth Station. The station was just a taste of all Epcot had to offer at the time. It was an information station like no other while introducing guests to the most advanced technologies at the time, simple touch screen interfaces and large informational displays.
By today’s standards, these technologies are quite simple, but at the time, these concepts were truly just staring to develop. Disney used this new touch based technology to help guests find new information about the park and to discover all that Epcot had to offer as a part of what they called the WorldKey Information area. Opposed to in the past, this service allowed guests to learn for themselves in a sensory based environment without having to interact with real employees behind a series of counters. It was a forward thinking idea and one that really immersed the guest in the entire experience Epcot intended to portray. For many, this truly felt like “tomorrow’s” technology and as many of you are likely experiencing right this moment (using your phone), that technology did actually develop into “tomorrow’s” normal. 
(Photo: Loren Javier)
Of course, as with many elements of Disney at the time, the Earth Station was a sponsored experience and continues to be even today (in it’s current form). At the time, the entire area was brought to guests by the Bell System organization. Many of you may be more familiar with it’s later iteration as AT&T. Years down the road in 2007, the renovated area, Project Tomorrow, brought the Siemens brand into the park where it has remained for quite some time. That rendition of the area you can still experience today. Of course, it is a far cry from the original design and you won’t be seeing images of World of Motion or even Horizons on video screens above your head, but it still remains a forward thinking area of the park.
It’s a bit amazing to me how things have changed over the year. Epcot has always been an interesting concept that has grown and developed over time. Even recently, Disney has announced that some big changes are set to arrive in the park in the not-so-distant future which are supposed to stay true to Epcot’s origins while updating the current experience. 
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, but for now it’s great to look back at “what was” in order to have a greater appreciation for “what is” today. 
Thanks for reading and be sure to join our Disney email community down below (below the comments on mobile). We’re set to share some surprise guest writers and possibly a big opportunity were working on in the near future. Don’t worry, we won’t destroy your inbox with emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Your support really helps us out! Thanks!